The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Kaibab National Forest. Kaibab National Forest is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.
"Luckily there is a gas station that is walking distance. Pool and spa were nice. Bathrooms were clean. The only downside is the noise from the highway. Oh, cell service is not good."
"Stayed a week here to have access to GCNP and the surrounding NM and NPs within 2 hours of Flagstaff. The private bathrooms were cleaned daily in the AM and the sites were relatively level."
"This KOA is very clean and has ton's of amenities on site, very nice showers and bathrooms, some of the amenities are mini golf, pan for gems, trails, go karts, peddle cars, playground, laundry room, store"
"Lots of forest roads to play on near by as well if you have off-road toys."
$25 - $75 / night
"Right by the roadside but en route to Grand Canyon, staff are super helpful and emailed bathroom code quickly despite my late arrival."
"Sites are pretty close together, and you don’t have much distance between you and the main highway. They do have a propane fill up which is very handy."
$26 - $52 / night
"There is no dog park but there is a walk around path. There are a lot of weeds around the perimeter"
"Williams is a step back in time to when US HWY 66 with IT. The town embraces the era of pre freeway. The park is excellent! Hookups are great."
"It is just North of Williams, which is a pretty neat little town, and about an hour away from the Grand Canyon South entrance, on highway 64. Follow GPS/Google Maps to get here. "
"Plenty of room to spread out, different scenery depending on where you park & how far in you drive."
$6 - $50 / night
"We flew into Vegas and we got to drive through the Kaibab National Forest to get to Mather campground (if you can’t find any available campground reservations within the GCNP itself I would recommend checking"
"If you want to camp relatively close to the rim of the Grand Canyon, this is the spot."
$32 - $225 / night
"We camped in the Kaibab National Forest in Williams, AZ for my friend's birthday and it was absolutely amazing! So peaceful and relaxing! I will definetly go again!"
"The Kaibab National Forest is a beautiful area; roads leading all directions, not all of them connect. We were pretty excited to camp under the stars. The skies here are BIG!"
$30 - $300 / night
"We came in late on a Saturday evening and had to settle for a roadside spot with no shade."
"The campgrounds are surrounded by trees next to the lake. Although camp is not right next to the lake you can see it from most campsites."
"Could only get one night at the Mather CG in Grand Canyon, so we went boondocking just outside of the National Park in Kaibab NF. "
"The sites are pretty big and private, I recommend tucking yourself as far back as possible to stay away from the dust kicked up by passing cars."
$26 / night
"Primitive camping in beautiful, cool Arizona forest. Most campsites offer a lot of privacy. Dirt roads are a bit rough, so SLOW is an important word!"
"Had to walk around to avoid bee entering mouth while eating. And putting away washed dishes was a challenge to keep none from entering storage bag. Otherwise the ospreys were awesome."
GuideI got here around 9pm on a Tuesday evening and it was somewhat full. Pulled into a "spot" and everything was good. I was surprised at how quiet it was. Not a creature was stirring except some crickets. This is just a circle of dirt with a couple of porta-potties. It's not very level, so try and find a level spot if you can. Some beautiful views. Great hiking opportunities. There were some dump trucks that came through the main road around 7 am and I'm sure that is what woke everyone up. There are a couple of trees around the site, but none in the site.
The only reason I gave 4 stars is because no campfires are allowed. Personally doesn't matter to me, but some people are big on campfires. The porta johns were clean. The entire campsite is trash free! No other services. Any car can access the site and there is space for large RVs.
Very conveniently located between Cottonwood and Sedona. Visit Belfry Brewing in Cottonwood and get the Ruben it's amazing!
ScoutA really convenient spot for those looking to tent, car camp or pull up in a RV. About a 10 minute drive until the Grand Canyon. Private sections with already established fire pits but other people near by so didn’t feel isolated! Great find.
GuideMather Campground is a fantastic place to stay when visiting Grand Canyon National Park. The campsites are spacious, shaded by tall pines, and offer a wonderful sense of privacy and calm. Facilities are clean and well-maintained, with easy access to water, restrooms, and shuttle stops. The best part is how close it is to the South Rim—just a short walk or quick bike ride to stunning viewpoints and trails. Whether you’re camping in a tent or an RV, Mather provides that classic national park experience: quiet nights under starry skies and mornings filled with birdsong. Highly recommended!
RangerWe stayed 2 nights here and it was a blast. Keep going past the cattle guard and down the main forest service road. You will come to a set of bathrooms and a look out tower that is open to the public! It was a really unique experience!
RangerWe came in without a reservation— the lady was very helpful and let us know that she would call us with any cancellations. They were able to fit us in, unfortunately we had already left the area but it was nice to know she followed through with her word!
RangerWe loved staying here! Very peaceful and beautiful! We stayed right next to the watch tower and bathrooms!
RangerWe loved this place. We ended up stating further to the back but all of the spots are very easy to access!
RangerWe hiked the entire place, ended up choosing a spot further back. But it’s all super beautiful and easy to get to.
LegendThis KOA feels more like a National Forest Service site but with the added perks of electric hook-up and hot showers! Yes, the entry driveway and roads are narrow, but for our class B they were fine. We were greeted warmly by the young staff and given the low-down, including access to hiking trails and biking trails right from the location. The campground is fairly empty on October 16 so doesn’t feel crowded. The laundry is $3 wash, $2 dry - about what I’m used to paying. And the machines take credit cards! Yay! The bathrooms are a tad dated, but clean and adequate. We would definitely stay here again.
Camping near Kaibab National Forest, Arizona, offers a fantastic escape into nature with stunning views and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to unwind or an adventurous getaway, this area has something for everyone.
Camping near Kaibab National Forest, Arizona, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, whether you're in a tent or an RV. With a mix of established and dispersed campgrounds, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best camping spots in Kaibab National Forest?
Kaibab National Forest offers excellent camping opportunities with both developed and dispersed options. Coconino Rim Road Dispersed Camping is highly recommended for its beautiful trees, dark skies for stargazing, and proximity to the Grand Canyon's South Rim. For those seeking dispersed options with easy access, Forest service Road 688 Dispersed Camping provides spacious sites among Ponderosa Pines with wildlife viewing opportunities. If you prefer developed campgrounds, White Horse Lake Campground and Kaibab Lake Campground are excellent choices with designated sites and basic facilities. The forest also features numerous unmarked dispersed camping areas along forest roads that offer privacy and a true wilderness experience.
When is the best time of year to camp in Kaibab National Forest?
Late spring through early fall (May to October) offers the most pleasant camping weather in Kaibab National Forest. Summer months provide warm days and cool nights at the forest's higher elevations, making it a perfect escape from the desert heat. Schnebly Hill Rd, Fox Borough Dam is popular during holiday weekends like Labor Day when the weather is typically ideal. Fall brings spectacular colors as aspen trees change. Winter camping is possible in lower elevations, but many forest roads become impassable with snow, and higher elevation campgrounds typically close. Spring can be unpredictable with occasional storms. The forest's elevation (5,000-9,000 feet) creates milder summer temperatures compared to nearby desert areas, making it a refreshing summer destination.
Do I need a permit for camping in Kaibab National Forest?
For dispersed camping in Kaibab National Forest, no permit is typically required. You can camp for free at areas like Coconino Rim Road, Fire Road 310 Kaibab Forest without formal permits. However, developed campgrounds such as White Horse Lake Campground do require payment of camping fees. For dispersed camping, follow the 14-day stay limit within a 30-day period. Always practice Leave No Trace principles and be aware that seasonal fire restrictions may apply, especially during dry summer months. Check with the Kaibab National Forest ranger stations in Williams or Tusayan for current regulations, as requirements can change based on conditions and time of year.
What amenities are available at Kaibab National Forest campgrounds?
Amenities vary significantly between developed and dispersed camping in Kaibab National Forest. Kaibab Lake Sites And Group Areas offers drinking water, vault toilets, designated sites, and lake access for fishing and small boats. Some developed campgrounds include picnic tables, fire rings, and access to restrooms. For those seeking more amenities, Dogtown Lake Campground And Group provides similar facilities with boat-in access options. Dispersed camping areas like Forest Service Road 328 have no facilities—you'll need to bring all supplies including water and pack out all waste. Cell service is limited throughout the forest, especially in remote areas, so plan accordingly. Most developed campgrounds don't offer hookups, making them suitable for tent camping or self-contained RVs.
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